Google unveils public transport app for Delhi

Getting around in Delhi is expected to get a bit easier, with technology major Google today launching a new app that will help users here get transit directions easily, even with low data connectivity.

The new experimental Delhi Public Transport App will be built into Google Maps to help users get directions and timetable information for Delhi Metro, DTC, DIMTS (orange) buses and Gurgaon Rapid Metro offline, Google said in a statement.

The app will also provide information on directions between bus stops and metro routes as well, it added.

Once the app is downloaded, the app does not use data for direction queries or timetables, even if the phone is online.

However, a small amount of data is used for news alerts (if online, roughly 1 KB each, about once a day) and user-optional feedback (up to 100 KB per feedback report).

The app includes a 'share' button that will generate a link that can be sent to friends via channels like WhatsApp. Using the link, the app can be downloaded directly even without a Google Play Store account.

"India is one of the biggest growth countries in terms of Google Maps usage and with this app, Google aims to better serve the needs of public transport riders in New Delhi area," it said.

Around 2.60 million people travel by Delhi Metro these days, according to the latest ridership data.